The game was won in the second quarter when the Roosters kicked eight unanswered goals. Conversely, Macleod lost the game in the third when it kicked 3.10 which halted any hope of a come-from-behind win.
The Roosters were superb for the majority of the day. Their skills were great on a sloppy De Winton Park and their hard work both in the centre and especially up forward resulted in a constant source of goals for most of the day.
The Kangaroos will rue their missed opportunities. Despite giving up such a lead at half time, they fought well to get back into the contest and outplayed the Roosters in the third.
However their bad kicking was infectious and their inability to turn opportunities into goals meant West Preston-Lakeside was never truly threatened.
The first quarter of the game was close with both teams kicking three majors as Macleod went into the first break with a two-point lead.
However, it was the second quarter where the difference was made.
The Kangaroos removed their spare man down back but the Roosters kept Simon Prestigiacomo as a free man in defence. This restricted Macleod’s ability to score while West Preston-Lakeside went on a frenzy.
The Roosters continually won stoppages and contested ball, giving their forwards plenty of opportunities to score. Anthony Rocca was the main beneficiary and the big tall was able to kick multiple goals for the term.
After half time Macleod made a real effort to get back into the game and if it wasn’t for its terrible goal kicking, it may have moved close.
The Kangaroos’ field kicking was superb but once in front of the goals they lost all co-ordination and continually butchered easy chances. These misses started to build up and by the end of quarter the Kangaroos were out of the game.
The home side booted the first two of the last quarter through Kyl Ewart and the game looked to be on but a quick goal to Daniel Bisetto ended any hopes of a comeback. From there, the Roosters kicked six of the next eight goals to claim a 10-goal win.
The standout for the victor was Simon Prestigiacomo whose role as the loose man in defense was brilliant. He constantly stopped the Kangaroos’ forward thrusts and was instrumental in the amazing second quarter.
He was supported by Luke Cotchett who was great off the half forward flank, kicking three goals. Cotchett ably played as foil to Rocca, who also hit the scoreboard with five.
As for Macleod, Chris Long’s ruckwork was pivotal in getting the Kangaroos back in the second half. He fed the likes of John Andrew and Shaun Melican, both of whom were impressive in the clinches, winning contested ball and clearances.
Final score: Macleod 10.19 (79) def by West Preston-Lakeside 22.7 (139)
